In Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday (3rd August), Ryan Lochte spoke about Michael Phelps carrying the U.S. flag at the 2016 Olympics' opening ceremony; team-mate Nathan Adrian discussed the long-standing swimming rivalry between the United States and Australia; and 19-year-old multiple world record holder Katie Ledecky - a star at London 2012 - talked about achieving her sporting targets.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Nathan Adrian, swimmer - Team USA:(On USA-Australia swimming rivalry)

"It's a rivalry that's been going on for a while now and, you know, to kind of watch that growing up I think I certainly... the first Olympics I probably started paying attention to was actually 2000 in Sydney (coughs)... so I certainly got to see that, I got to feel that - you know, I get to hear stories from Michael (Phelps) about that, and from Anthony as well. So, I think there's nothing more fun than getting out there and competing... so it's going to be good."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Ryan Lochte, swimmer - Team USA:(On Michael Phelps carrying the U.S. flag at the Rio 2016 opening ceremony)

"You know, there's no other better person than Michael to represent Team USA. And, I mean it's just amazing, just everything that he's done in the sport of swimming and for USA. It's just tremendous what he's accomplished and there's no other better person than Michael to represent us. So, I'm really excited... and I kind of want to steal that jacket."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Katie Ledecky, swimmer - Team USA:(On the Olympics / her targets)

"Four years ago when I was visualising my race finals I never visualised anything but winning gold, and I think just having those dreams once I get to that level I think I'm able to set the goals for myself and go out and achieve them."